Infiltrations In Architectural Profession Worry Commissioner

The Enugu Commissioner for Transport, Mr John Egbo, has said that the Enugu Government planned to set up a special court to try offenders, building on setbacks and water courses in the state.

Egbo said on Tuesday in Enugu at a three-day November Lecture, organised by the Enugu Chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), that there were many infiltrators in the profession, causing havoc in the industry.

He lamented that many violators often reduced expected standards in design and construction.

According to him, Enugu Government has had cause to embark on demolition of illegal structures in the capital city.

“We shall not be tired of the demolitions. I enjoin the Nigeria Institute of Architects to join hands in the crusade to sanitise the building sector in Enugu capital city.

“We must help to ensure that no further damage is done to the Enugu capital city master plan,” the commissioner said.

The chapter chairman of the NIA, Mr Ifeanyi Nnaobi, said the lecture was organised to educate architects, clients and the general public.

Mr Christopher Orji, NIA member who spoke during the lecture, urged the Enugu Government to assist in the renovation and maintenance of old buildings like the Old Nigeria Ticketing Office and Enugu North Local Government Quarters.

“In the development of any city, there is need to marry the old and the new,” Orji said.

The Secretary of the chapter, Mr Lawrence Isiofia, said there were a number of quacks in architecture profession and that the institute had devised means to fight mediocres.

According to him, the institute will forward a list of members of the chapter such that proposals for development will not fall outside the list.

“We are already working together with the Enugu Capital Development Authority. We shall forward names of our members to the authority and no approval for development will go outside the list.

“This is the only way by which we can stop quacks from practicing the profession,” Isiofia said.